In the G1 Perak Derby (Race 5), which returns for the first time since D’Great Timing posted successive victories in the staying contest back in 2019 and 2020 for trainer Frank Maynard, the race distance has been reduced from 2400m back to 2000m. Once again, Maynard is well-represented with three runners as he searches for his fourth win in the group staying contest.
LEOPARD ECLIPSE (6) may be the best chance from the stable following two placings from two appearances at Group One level last year, including the 2000m G1 Piala Emas in December. The 7yo led throughout at big odds, defeating TRUMPY (2) by 2 lengths over the mile in KL three weeks ago and is a chance to break through at the highest level at his 50th Malaysian start.
TRUMPY (2) made an immediate impression on the local circuit when beating G1 Penang Gold Winner, Cheval Blanc, over 1400m first up on February 18. The 8yo contested numerous group races in Singapore without success but is one of only two runners to have scored over 2000m previously. The other 2000m winner being TELLER (10), who has won 3 out of 4 over the journey, including the 2022 G1 Piala Emas, and would need to improve on recent performances.
RAGNAR (7) is a 7yo son of Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, so he is bred to stay and he displayed those attributes when finishing 3rd in the 2000m G1 Penang Gold Cup last year.
If ever a horse deserves a major win, it is GOLDEN KING (4), which has placed in the G1 Piala Emas for the past two years before suffering a short head defeat in the G1 Penang Gold Cup. The 5yo will be first up since winning over the mile in KL and he does possess a handy record on the Ipoh circuit with 2 wins from 4 starts.
SKYDANCE ECLIPSE (1) backs up from his fast-finishing 2nd behind talented sprinter Awesome Storm over 1400m last Sunday and looks a chance despite the 59kg.
PERAK DERBY SELECTIONS: (2) TRUMPY (6) LEOPARD ECLIPSE (7) RAGNAR (4) GOLDEN KING
Visiting Singapore jockey, Marc Lerner, has three rides for the Buffalo Stable and trainer Lawson Moy combination, with all three given a genuine winning chance.
Lerner, currently ranked third on the Singapore Jockeys Premiership, rode TRUMPY to victory in its Malaysian debut and will be reunited with the 8yo on Sunday.
His other two rides will be FIREWORKS, which is second-up in Race 6, while MEWTWO has descended to a winnable rating in Race 9.
